Customer Reviews

So Tenderly / Little Bit of Heaven

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Back in the 60's when all of my teenaged friends were into Janis and Jimi, I only had ears for John Gary. "So Tenderly" was the first Gary album that I owned, and when I was finished collecting I had over 20 of John's LP's. But time has not been kind to my turntable and wax, so I am thrilled to see 6 of my prized albums now reissued on 3 CD's - with every selection intact and with the original liner notes! And 35 years have not diminished John Gary's magic one iota. We're talkin' fine old wine in new bottles here!

You may have heard all of the raves about John's incredible range and his golden pipes; that's what most people focus on when they attempt to describe his special appeal. Any "amen" from me would be like preaching to the choir. But I really want the world to discover this singer - who never got his due during his lifetime. So instead, let's talk about the art of singing. John came along just as the term "song stylist" was being coined. (I suppose some might consider him one of the last of the so-called "crooners"; a term which nowadays unfortunately seems to carry a somewhat negative connotation). The song stylist's mission is to take liberties whenever and wherever possible to imprint their particular individuality on a song. But that wasn't John's style. There are no gimmicks here. No self-indulgent contortions ala Whitney Houston; no bending and twisting of notes ala Streisand. The man had such respect and sensitivity for a tune and a lyric that he didn't feel compelled to insist on having his way - instead he let the song have it's way with him. It was almost as if the song was "singing" him - it seemed so natural, so heartfelt, so effortless. He was simply blessed with a natural instinct for knowing when to turn on the power and when to back off - as the song dictated - and he was always right on target. John also had a knack for selecting the most attractive material to showcase his talent and, for the most part he resisted the temptation to "cover" other people's hits.

I'm absolutely convinced that if John Gary had appeared on the scene a decade earlier he would have given all of the Tony Bennetts, Vic Damones, Perry Comos, Jack Joneses and Andy Williams's serious cause to pause.

If today's music seems like just so much noise and madness (and sameness!)to you, do yourself a favor: get with someone you love - maybe after a hard day's work, dim the lights, pour the wine, slip on any John Gary CD and get ready to luxuriate!!!

are presented here in CD format after millions of fans waited, I'm sure. John's family carries a website and for years the masses have clamored for just this type of treatment for one of the 20th century's greatest vocalists of all time. Collectables Music has done another outstanding job. There are two more collections such as this slated for release this week, and sales permitting, Im sure this is the start of ALL John's works on CD!
The obvious favorite here is John's reading of "DANNY BOY" which nearly appeared twice here, since it was on both of these albums originally. The LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN sides are supplemented by "MY WILD IRISH ROSE", as all the others were released by BMG on an all - Irish songs collection some years ago. John himself co-wrote the folksy "BROWN EYED BABY BOY", and his vocals proudly soar over the string - laden arrangements. A full-blown royal treatment is given to the Lerner and Lane classic "HERE I'LL STAY" and is a nice departure from the equally great but far more brassy rendition by Sammy Davis Jr. Other standouts include "COME TO ME, BEND TO ME" and the haunting "IF YOU LOVE ME", recently released on the "ESSENTIAL JOHN GARY" from RCA .
FINALLY someone has heard the call for John Gary's music to be released!
Can't wait for these other "2fers" to arrive!
Happy listening

I have two scratchy albums from the 1970s that I never thought I'd be able to find on CDs. Lo and behold! Amazon offered both on the same CD. You have no idea how happy I am to hear John Gary's glorious, effortless voice again.
It's great that you notify customers when a product becomes available. Thanks, Amazon!

Thank you Amazon for making this CD available. This CD captures your heart and soul. -- Music to take with you - wherever you go! John Gary at his finest -- as always. These beautiful songs, fit for any occasion - --and this fine voice-- provide the setting for meditation/relaxation, or to just write a letter to someone... in need of a tender touch -- or just for YOU to enjoy - over and over again.

My father had this album years ago and I am trying to get a hold of a copy.
So far, no luck but this CD has a lot of the songs from it and many more.
I'm sure I will enjoy it.

Sincerely,

Sue Breen

I've been collecting John Gary's music from the very beginning and have
nearly all his music on 'albums' since I first heard him when I was in
the Navy and I'm glad to see that these great songs of his have come out on CDs.

I was lucky to actually hear him at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Hawaii back in about 1976. It was a wonderful experience.

George

I first heard John Gary in the early 70's. I loved him then and love hime now. His voice is so pure, unstrained and soothing. He does not need special music engineering like most singers after him to make a good sound. His choice of songs -even the Irish ballads are perfect for his voice (and my listening pleasure). None of the songs in his albums would sound as good when sang by the other singers of his time or now- I am sorry but I think he is a lot more pleasing to hear than Tony Bennet, Frank SInatra, etc. It makes one dream again- make life and love timeless no matter how old one has become. I feel like falling in love all over again everytime I hear him. I wish that he has continued to sing, perhaps he has but I just have not seen or heard of him for several years. Thank God for John Gary!!!! and Thank you Amazon for carrying his Songs!

Being from a part Irish family, the Irish standards on "Little Bit of Heaven" were part of the culture, especially by John Gary. I was by FAR the baby, being weaned on the Beatles and beyond, but everybody else thought this was pretty close to ... well, a little bit of heaven. I'm only giving it 4 stars because some may find it "old fashioned", which it is - big string arrangements, etc. But, boy, this guy has a voice, and I think these songs were meant to be done like this.

The double album of songs sung by John Gary provides great music at a good price. I enjoyed hearing favorites as well as songs I hadn't heard him sing before. I would have liked the option of ordering a 'set of CDs' instead or ordering separate CDs.

So Tenderly/A Little Bit of Heaven is a fine twofer CD with outstanding songs and Irish ballads by the great John Gary. John enjoyed huge success during his heyday; and truthfully he will never be forgotten. It's wonderful to know his albums are still available on CD today! The quality of the sound on this CD is excellent and I like that the CD artwork uses the original record album artwork.

The CD starts with a stunning number; John sings "Tenderly" with passion and you can tell he really means it! The strings are used to great advantage in the arrangement although they could have been muted just a bit--but make no mistake; this is very high quality control music. "If You Love Me (Really Love Me)" was partly written by the immortal Edith Piaf; and John does justice to this song as he delivers it faultlessly--terrific! I love it.

"Danny Boy" shines brighter than silver and gold combined with John Gary handles it with so much finesse; I'm truly impressed. John sings brilliantly and his excellent diction enhances his performance all the more. "Smilin' Through" is another memorable tune; John never lets go of a single superfluous note! "Come to Me, Bend to Me" is very sweet and pretty; and listen for John to do a sublime rendition of "Red Rosey Bush." "Red Rosy Bush" lets John really open up and sing using the full, broad vocal range he was gifted enough to have and that's grand.

"Here I'll Stay" charms me with its natural beauty; and I really like that timeless classic "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" certainly gets the royal treatment from John who sings this just as well as the best of them ever could! "Macushla" is another memorable song; and I also enjoy hearing John perform "That's an Irish Lullaby (Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral)" "That's an Irish Lullaby (Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral)" always impressed me as being truly lovely; and John does this to perfection--and beyond! "Cockles and Mussels (Molly Malone)" is yet another very good Irish tune.

"My Wild Irish Rose" is easy on the ear; and "Galway Bay" makes me want to hop a jet to Ireland right now! The CD ends very nicely with John Gary performing "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling;" this is my very favorite Irish ballad and John sings this wonderfully.

John Gary brought so much happiness to countless numbers of people worldwide; and albums like this one prove that his talent was exceptional. This is a fine album for John Gary fans--and people who enjoy Irish ballads will not be disappointed.